Obituary of Marie Julia Soriano

Marie Soriano, of Denville, New Jersey, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, passed away on June 4, 2024. She had shared 94 years of love, laughter, and wisdom with family and friends.

Marie was born on December 19, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey to Julia Salerno and John Mazziotti. She was one of five children. Marie spent her childhood in Newark, graduating from Central High School, where she played clarinet and was captain of the cheerleading squad.

Upon graduation, she became one of the top secretaries at the Newark Board of Education. She married Joseph Soriano, also of Newark, in 1953 at St. Lucy’s Church. They had four children and homes in Newark, Nutley, and Scotch Plains.

Marie was the life of the party. She was known as the “games” lady, providing entertainment at family gatherings. She instilled a deep love for music in her children, all of whom played musical instruments. Nothing made her happier than attending their concerts or marching band performances. Marie was active in Scotch Plains P.T.O., Band Boosters, United Way, Westfield Garden Club, and Spaulding for Children, helping with physical therapy for disabled children.

A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Marie thrived on family gatherings and vacations “down the shore” where she and her family created many fond memories of Asbury Park and Wildwood. Marie lost her husband Joseph in 1996 and later married Charles Douches of Scotch Plains. They lived at ‘The Oaks’ in Denville. Widowed a second time, Marie remained at the Oaks where she had many close friends.

Marie is survived by her four children, Joseph (Ana) Soriano, Maria (Wayne) Person, Loretta (James) Napolitano, John (Liz) Soriano, 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and her sister Jewel Rotondo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 11^th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07960. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Marie’s memory to the Parkinson Foundation by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share your favorite memory of Marie here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine on.

*If you are unable to attend Mass, you will be able to watch live via St. Mary's YouTube page, or by clicking here*